Go for The Golf , but Grab Breakfast First !
Feature Course
Bear Creek Valley
Go for The Golf , but Grab Breakfast First !
Editorial and Photography by Bill Cromwell
It ’ s August , and you ’ re thinking , “ I better plan a Lake of the Ozarks golf getaway now before summer is over .” However , with 12 top-rated golf courses along the Lake Golf Trail , it ’ s tough to decide on what courses you ’ ll want to tee it up . For me , there are several favorites : Old Kinderhook , Lake Valley , Deer Chase , and Osage National , to name just a few great tracks . However , one of the more enjoyable courses I play at the Lake , and always in the mix , is Bear Creek Valley Golf Club , which offers a true Ozarks golf experience .
Bear Creek ’ s 6,796-yard layout is the definition of Ozarks golf . The course offers elevated tees ( and views ) that drop to meadows and scenic valleys through 250 acres of Ozarks forest , with ponds and lakes sprinkled about along Little Bear Creek . The scenery is amazing !
However , it does reside in a most unexpected place , so don ’ t let your first impression fool you . As you drive up to the course — about two blocks east of Business 54 in Osage Beach , it appears to be a small strip mall . In fact , if you didn ’ t notice all the golf carts out front , you might think you ’ re at the wrong place . Not to worry ; there is a great golf course waiting for you .
than you can chew , don ’ t let ego rule the day ; instead , be conservative with the yardage you decide to play . You ’ ll have more fun dropping a few pars rather than searching the forest for lost balls all day .
Every hole here is distinctive and seemingly has distinctive elevation changes , making the correct club selection imperative .
“ I think the elevation changes make you think about your shot and club selection a little more ,” said Spencer Duncan , the general manager of Bear Creek Valley . “ There are times you may need to add or subtract as much as three clubs to the shot , so you typically use every club in the bag .”
Built in 1999 and opened in 2001 , Bear Creek Valley begins with the challenging par-4 downhill 1st hole that forces you to clear water twice . Laying up off the tee to the top of the hill in the fairway is the best play because driver could bring the timber lining the fairway or the water fronting the green into play . But , if you don ’ t hit enough club off the tee , you face a daunting approach shot . “ Depending on your game , it is often not a driver hole ,” Duncan said . “ I think the
From the moment you walk into the quaint pro shop , you ’ ll feel “ I like this place .” In fact , TripAdvisor rates Bear Creek Valley 5 Stars , GolfNow rates it 4.5 Stars , and we consistently rate it a 5-star course . Apparently , people enjoy the course .
Tee boxes at Bear Creek are not distinguished by your typical blue , white , and red colors ; instead , they are designated by numbers — one through four — I like that ! The number three tees , for example , play about 5,600 yards , which is more than long enough , especially if you have never played here before . There are frequent blind shots and plenty of elevation changes . So , before you bite off more
The uphill par-4 4th hole at Bear Creek is all about the second shot to the uphill green . The elevation makes it tough to see the green . Don ’ t be short !
16 August 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE